The Middle Era: 1942 to 1993

The Middle Era begins for the California flower industry with a solid foundation, including the existence of numerous industry associations and well-functioning flower markets in Los Angeles and San Francisco developed in the Early Era. However, the California flower industry was about to face significant disruptions, even more so than a decade-long economic depression that recently ended.

At the beginning of this era, California was essentially tied with Ohio for 4th most populous states in the Union. California would provide more than 800,000 men to serve in the armed services in European and the Pacific theaters of war. WWII would also transform California from a rural and farming way of life to an urban society based on industry and technology.[1] California had not experienced anything as disruptive since the discovery of gold in 1849.

For the California flower industry the era begins with President Roosevelt signing Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, resulting in the forced relocation into internment camps of nearly 120,000 Japanese in the U.S. for the duration of the war. The relocation order included those of Italian and German descent, but nothing like numbers of those of Japanese ancestry – especially in California.

By the end of the Middle Era:

California will be the most populous state in the Union – more populous than the 22 least populated states combined;

California will account for approximately 80% of domestic flower production;

76 current CalFlowers members were founded in this era, representing 42% of 2017 membership – 44% of current CalFlowers members identified as “growers” were founded in this era.